Our Science: DEFT-1
An allogeneic CAR-T engineered to overcome the major barriers facing immunotherapies in solid tumors
Four Innovations. One Platform.
1
Eliminating CAFs and Cancer
DEFT-1’s proprietary targeting strategy eliminates malignant cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), key drivers of tumor immune suppression and treatment resistance across multiple solid tumor types.
2
Allogeneic Manufacturing
DEFT-1 is manufactured from healthy donors, enabling off-the-shelf availability, superior T cell function, and lowering the cost of goods.
3
Modular Tumor Targeting
A proprietary receptor enables DEFT-1 to synergize with commercial T cell engagers (TCEs), unlocking multi-antigen targeting and a pipeline-in-a-product strategy across solid tumor indications.
4
Hypoimmunity
DEFT-1 is engineered to evade rejection by the host immune system to increase the durability and depth of response.
CAFs: A key barrier in cancer and inflammatory diseases
🛡️
Immune Suppression
Treg recruitment, macrophage programming, CD8 exclusion
💊
Treatment Resistance
Chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy resistance
🔗
Fibrotic Barriers
Desmoplasia, hypoxia, angiogenesis, tissue invasion
📊
Poor Outcomes
High CAF burden correlates with reduced survival across 8+ cancer types
Strategy: Eliminate CAFs to dismantle the tumor’s defensive infrastructure, remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Our Pipeline
DEFT-1 is a pipeline in a product — the same engineered cell expands across indications without re-engineering
| Indication | Preclinical | Ph 1/2 | |
|---|
| DEFT-1 — Single Agent |
| Sarcoma | | | Lead indication |
| Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma | | | |
| DEFT-1 — In Combination |
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma DLL3-targeting TCE | | | |
| DEFT-1 — Non Oncology |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | | | |
| Hepatic Fibrosis | | | |
Our Team
The Defiance team aligns deep expertise across Targeting, Design, and Execution.
Defiance Board
Proven innovators with the expertise to build superior therapeutics from concept to clinic
Design
Nathan Singh, M.D., M.S.
Co-Founder & CEO
Associate Professor at Washington University in St. Louis leading research in synthetic biology and CAR-T engineering. Nathan is at the forefront of next-generation cell therapy design, with a clinical and translational research perspective that bridges bench science with patient impact.
Execution
Matt Cooper, Ph.D.
Executive Board Chair
As Co-Founder and CSO at Wugen, Matt delivered the WU-CART-007 allogeneic CAR-T program from scientific conception to registrational trial. His operational and scientific leadership spans allogeneic cell therapy manufacturing, engineering, and IND-enabling development.
Targeting
Anthony Cooper, Ph.D.
Board Member
Anthony led antibody discovery programs at Adimab and later at Aclys Bio, building deep expertise in translating cutting-edge immunology into therapeutic candidates. He is currently leading Strategic Planning for Immunology & Inflammation at Sanofi, with a focus on identifying and validating novel targets in the solid tumor and autoimmune space.
Leadership Team
Experienced operators and scientists driving Defiance from the lab to the clinic
Operations
Alex Andrews, Ph.D.
Interim COO
As a Senior Associate at BioGenerator Ventures, Alex leads investments in therapeutics across diverse modalities and provides strategic support to portfolio companies throughout their development. Before joining BioGenerator, Alex led an allogeneic CAR-T program targeting solid tumors at Precision Biosciences and conducted immuno-oncology research at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Careers
Join us in our pursuit to eradicate cancer. Build next-generation cell therapies at the forefront of solid tumor oncology.
Open Positions
We are a preclinical-stage biotech with premier research facilities in St. Louis, MO, seeking exceptional scientists who thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Defiance Therapeutics is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Scientist to join our growing R&D team in St. Louis. Working closely with the founders, you will develop and evaluate the activity and efficacy of novel candidate cellular therapeutics. You will be responsible for executing and analyzing preclinical studies, playing a vital role in the translation of our novel cell therapies to the clinic. Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Primary Responsibilities
- Execution of laboratory protocols and critical analysis of experimental data
- Perform molecular and cell-based assays to evaluate novel cellular therapies
- Detailed documentation of experimental procedures and processes
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication of data
- Drafting of written protocols and experimental reports
- Work independently and collaboratively to achieve program and company goals
Skills & Requirements
- BS/BA in biology, engineering, or related field with 6+ years of research experience; MS with 4+ years; or Ph.D. in a related field
- Aseptic cell culture experience; isolation and culture of primary immune cells including T cells preferred
- Prior experience with multicolor flow cytometry, cytokine analysis techniques, and cytotoxicity assays preferred
- Self-motivated with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong ability to generate, interpret, and present scientific data
- Proficiency in standard software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Prism
Don't see the right role?
We're always interested in connecting with talented scientists passionate about cell therapy and solid tumor oncology.
info@defiancetx.com
